German public elementary school rules: Everyone is different, some are young, some are old, some are noisy, some are quiet, some are tall, some are short, some are strong, some are weak, some are fast, some are slow. But every person is important, and every person has value, and this is true in school as well. All of us—students, teachers, and even school staff—hope to feel comfortable and happy during our interactions, so we need rules. Here are our interaction rules: We should care about each other's feelings, when we meet at school we should greet each other, as teachers and parents we should set a good example for the children. What kind of example? We don’t use our phones to make calls or take pictures carelessly in school, we don’t do things that hurt others, if mistakes or oversights occur we should apologize and actively address them, we should proactively ask children what help they need, and finally, everyone has the right to learn at school. Furthermore, the first lesson for German children entering school is not about unity and friendship, but about learning to say no. Of course, we should be polite, but that doesn’t mean we must always be polite. If someone hurts your feelings, you don’t have to be so polite to them, politeness is a good character trait, but your feelings are more important than theirs. If this is considered selfish by others, then let the child be a selfish person, because you don’t need to seek everyone’s approval, and it’s impossible to make everyone satisfied with you. Additionally, another characteristic of the school rules in German elementary schools is that these rules are not just for children; teachers, parents, and even school staff must also set an example for the children. It is also clearly stated that the purpose of these rules is not to limit you, but to allow us to interact more pleasantly in school. A child is primarily a person, and only then a student.